While many young people are wondering what to do at the weekend, a group of innovative youngsters are determined to make a difference whilst having a great time in the process.
This weekend, Interact members from across the country are heading for Morfa Bay Adventure, South Wales, an exciting outdoor activity centre, for the Interact Multi District Rally, a weekend of fun, friendship and sharing ideas.
Interact clubs, for 12-18 year olds, are for youngsters who want to learn new skills, make new friends and make a difference in communities at home and overseas. The clubs are run by the members, with the backing of their local Rotary club and are often set up in schools and surrounding community. Every year, they decide what projects they will undertake and are supported all the way by their sponsoring Rotary club.
Rotarian Gwenda Griffiths is organising the weekend and says it is a magical atmosphere: “IMDR is amazing. We have people coming from all kinds of backgrounds, mainstream schools and special needs schools. Everyone fits in here. There will be caving, beach walks, zip-wires and, if the weather behaves, there may be body-boarding in the sea.
“This event is run every year for Interact members and it really brings everyone together. You might not know many people when you go but by the end, everyone is best friends and swapping Facebook details.
“There is a serious side to the weekend. On Saturday evening each Interact club will do a presentation about their activities from the past year. The way these youngsters work with communities locally and internationally is inspiring. They get an idea and, with the support of their local Rotary club, work really hard to make it happen. It could be fundraising or could even involve visiting a school in a remote country to help deliver books. The sky is the limit.
“One of the many benefits of Interact is the boost to self-esteem and confidence. That is, at the very least, what all of us at Rotary want for these super young people. My thanks to everyone who makes this weekend a success. Morfa Bay is a terrific environment and everyone involved from staff to Rotary volunteers really make this weekend very special.”
RIBI President John Minhinick will also be attending: "Interact is such simply amazing. Youngsters decide for themselves what they will do and how they will do. With the support of their sponsoring Rotary club what they achieve really is breathtaking. I am looking forward to meeting them all."
For more information about Interact clubs, contact your local Rotary club for more information or visit Interact.
